Neck Pain, Headaches and Stress

San Francisco Chiropractor Comments:

When we are experiencing mental stress it causes our muscles to become tense...mostly in the upper back, neck, and across the shoulders. This can lead to neck pain and headaches. If the stress is ongoing, the headaches and neck pain can become chronic (pain that persists for over 90 days). 

All of us handle stress differently. Some people thrive under stress and perform at their best. Others get sick and unable to function...and everything in between.

I have been practicing chiropractic in downtown San Francisco for almost 20 years now. My patients have been mostly office workers and executives that are working long hours trying to make a name for themselves or further their careers. For the most part...it's the life they choose.

They understand that the SF Financial District is the corporate jungle and in order to get ahead they have to work very long hours in a stressful go go environment.

What many don't realize when they start is how stressful this can be on your body...even if you are young. And if you have any weak links as far as health conditions that tend to flair-up when you are under stress...look-out, because here they come.

Neck pain and headaches are probably the 2 most common stress related symptoms we treat at Executive Express Chiropractic. Here are the 7 most common symptoms of stress:

1. Headaches

2. Fatigue

3. Neck, shoulder, back tension or pain

4. Sleeping problems

5. irritability or mood swings

6. Digestive Disturbances/hormone problems

7. Allergies or sinus problems

My Take: There are things you can do to increase your ability to manage and resist stress. Chiropractic adjustments help to keep the spine, musculoskeletal system, and nervous system in balance which can help with all 7 of the most common symptoms of stress. 

A healthy (I prefer vegan) diet, plenty of exercise, rest, and lots of water can also increase your resistance to stress. As will a good cervical pillow and ergonomic chair at work.

Hey...once we become adults we own the keys to the Porsche (our body's). We are the ones that make all decisions about what we eat, when we exercise and how often, how much rest we get, if we see a chiropractor on a regular basis, etc.

From what I have noticed...the people than learn to strike that balance between really hard work and longs hours...and a healthy "chiropractic" lifestyle...seem to do the best...in health and in wealth.

Bust just know...the greatest wealth is health!

Dr. Eben Davis is founder and clinic director of Executive Express Chiropractic at the Embarcadero Center in downtown San Francisco.

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Comments

[Michaelpotte]

This sounds exactly like what I was looking for, you've nailed my stress symptons on the head. I need to find that balance you talk about and I'll contact you soon for sure, thank you.

[Dr. Eben Davis]

They call stress the "silent killer". Our San Francisco Chiropractors stand ready. We look forward to meeting you!

[Dr-Amy Sanders]

These symptoms may be common, but they are never normal. Great article!

[Exercise For Back Pain]

As a mental health service provider we notice a link between stress at work and back and shoulder pain. For we recommend regular stretching and for workers to get up from their desks, every hour as a minimum, not only for health and safety (eye strain at monitors) but also to stretch limbs and de-stress their body physically and mentally.

[Bob S.]

I'm a professional person and often have to spend long hours at my desk speaking on the telephone and slaving over papers. It really is true that a high quality ergonomic chair at work can make a big difference insofar as back, neck and shoulder pain. I purchased one on the suggestion of my chiropractor. I suspect a lot of people skimp on this purchase and buy some $49 blow out chair advertised in the Sunday circulars at the big box office supply stores. Don't do it! Your health is worth much than spending a few hundred dollars on a chair that is designed to provide lower back support, promote good posture and reduce back pain from extended sessions. There are many types of ergonomic chairs with different kinds of features, so read up on the topic before you go shopping and try to sit in a many of them as possible before making a decision. Customer reviews can also be a helpful resource.

[Daniel Vargas]

Dr. Davis, I enjoyed your post explaining how stress can cause pain, even chronic pain. For more than 20 years I suffered from chronic headaches and back pain before learning that stress was the root cause, even though I didn’t feel stressed. Stress was building up in my system over time creating more and more pain, which required more and more medications. I learned how to address the cause and am now living pain free and medication free. It is amazing to me that (most) doctors don’t understand this and wrongly prescribe medications and medical procedures which only mask the symptoms and do not address the root cause.

[Dr. Eben Davis]

Thank you for the kind words Daniel...I really appreciate it!